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November 17, 2008

No demand, but Stackhouse seeks change

Jerry Stackhouse opened up on Monday, one day after being inactive at New York, and said he wants an opportunity to play elsewhere. Believing he can still contribute at a high level, but is perhaps not a good fit in Rick Carlisle's up-tempo, motion offense that is more freelance than structure, Stackhouse has requested that his agent begin to explore trade scenarios or a possible buyout.

A buyout would obviously give Stackhouse more flexibility. He is due $7 million this season and $2 million next season with that total decreasing with each passing day. Stackhouse was adamant that he is not demanding a trade and that he remains loyal to the franchise, but he is seeking a resolution he hopes can both benefit him and the team.

"I'm exploring options," Stackhouse said after the Mavs' Monday workout in Charlotte, N.C. "The team is always going to protect itself, I can't force their hand to do anything. I don't really know all the options right now. I talked to [agent] Jeff [Schwartz] yesterday. We've had dialogue over the last few weeks. I think it's to the point now where it's time to start researching some things and seeing if there's other possibilities that make more sense for me right now.

Stackhouse said his agent has been gauging interest in Stackhouse around the league.

"Now it's time to take that discovery to [Mavs president] Donnie [Nelson] and to [owner] Mark [Cuban]," Stackhouse said, "and hopefully it adds up."

Stackhouse has struggled this season. He's shooting just 29.8 percent from the floor and 18.8 percent from 3-point range. The 14-year veteran has played in eight of 10 games this season. He was saddled with a rare DNP - Coach's Decision against Cleveland and was not active Sunday at New York.

He's also been keeping very quiet about a nagging right foot injury, plantar fasciitis, that required a cortisone shot three weeks ago and that coach Rick Carlisle said has been more of a problem than Stackhouse has let on.

None of it helps his trade value at this point. Teams could be interested in his virtually expiring contract. An eventual buyout might be the ultimate scenario.

Either way, one of the prime faces of the Mavericks franchise during over the past five seasons, is likely soon to be headed elsewhere, eager for a shot to see if he still can contribute in a significant way.